City Council considers renaming street to honor Officer Kerstetter

ELYRIA — City Council is looking to honor slain Elyria police Officer James Kerstetter by renaming the road he traveled on daily to do his job.

Councilwoman Mary Siwierka is proposing Council rename North Street to Kerstetter Way as a tribute to Kerstetter, the first Elyria police officer to die in the line of duty in 67 years.

North Street runs south of the Elyria police station from West Avenue to Lake Avenue and is a short straightaway that is mainly used by Elyria police. The police station’s main driveway for police traffic and sally port is right off the road.

“This is a fitting tribute to the legacy of a dedicated Elyria police officer and will stand for years to come as remembrance,” she said. “As new officers and candidates arrive and depart the station daily, they will be reminded of the ‘way’ to be an Elyria police officer.”

City Council President Forrest Bullocks, D-2nd Ward, said the matter would be discussed at the next Council meeting. In all likelihood, Council will vote on the change in about a month, he said.

“It really shouldn’t take long,” he said. “Even going through the long way, through Council committee, should only take a few meetings. But if there is a way we can do it sooner, I would like to do it sooner. I want to show the city our gratitude for what he did for us and let the family know we honor his sacrifice.”